U.S. patent application number 13/384185 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for uwb measuring device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Robert Bosch GmbH. Invention is credited to Heiko Braun, Reiner Krapf.
Application Number | 20120182175 13/384185 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42563020 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120182175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krapf; Reiner ; et
al. |
July 19, 2012 |
UWB Measuring Device
Abstract
A UWB measuring device, in particular a hand-held positioning
device, includes at least one signal-generating unit for generating
at least one first UWB measuring signal, which is intended for a
UWB measurement. The signal-generating unit is provided for
generating a second measuring signal that differs from the first
UWB measuring signal in at least one signal parameter. The second
measuring signal is intended to detect a distance from an
examination object and/or contact with the examination object.
Inventors: |
Krapf; Reiner; (Filderstadt,
DE) ; Braun; Heiko; (Leonburg, DE) |
Assignee: |
Robert Bosch GmbH
Stuttgart
DE
|
Family ID: |
42563020 |
Appl. No.: |
13/384185 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
May 17, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP10/56721 |
371 Date: |
March 23, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
342/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 13/0209 20130101;
G01N 22/04 20130101; G01V 3/12 20130101; G01S 13/888 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
342/118 |
International
Class: |
G01S 13/08 20060101
G01S013/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 14, 2009 |
DE |
10 2009 027 666.1 |
Claims
1. A UWB measuring device, comprising at least one signal
generating unit configured to generate at least one first UWB
measuring signal which is intended for a UWB measurement, wherein
the at least one signal generating unit is further configured to
generate a second measuring signal, different from the first UWB
measuring signal in at least one signal parameter, which is
intended for detecting a distance from an object to be examined
and/or a contact with the object to be examined.
2. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
second measuring signal is formed at least partially by a UWB
measuring signal.
3. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
second measuring signal is formed at least partially by a
narrow-band measuring signal.
4. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
signal generating unit includes at least one signal source which is
configured to generate the first UWB measuring signal (14; 14a-14c)
and the second measuring signal.
5. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
signal generating unit includes a first signal source configured to
generate the first UWB measuring signal and at least one second
signal source configured to generate the second measuring
signal.
6. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising at least one signal filter element configured for a
signal selection of the first UWB measuring signal and/or the
second measuring signal.
7. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising an antenna element configured to emit and/or receive the
first UWB measuring signal and the second measuring signal.
8. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a first antenna element configured to emit and/or
receive the first UWB measuring signal, and a second antenna
element configured to emit and/or receive the second measuring
signal.
9. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising at least one signal switching element configured to
switch between an operating mode using the first UWB measuring
signal and an operating mode using the second measuring signal.
10. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 9, further
comprising a computing unit configured to at least partially
automatically switch between the operating mode using the first UWB
measuring signal and the operating mode using the second measuring
signal by use of the at least one signal switching element.
11. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a computing unit configured to modulate the second
measuring signal during the detection of the distance from the
object to be examined and/or of the contact with the object to be
examined.
12. The UWB measuring device as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a computing unit configured to activate the operating
mode using the first UWB measuring signal in response to contacting
the object to be examined.
13. A UWB measuring process for a UWB measuring device, comprising:
effecting a UWB measurement using a first UWB measuring signal, and
using a second measuring signal to detect a distance of the UWB
measuring device from an object to be examined and/or a measurement
of a contact of the UWB measuring device with the object to be
examined, wherein the second measuring signal is different from the
first UWB measuring signal in at least one signal parameter.
Description
PRIOR ART
[0001] The invention is based on a UWB measuring device as claimed
in the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] A UWB measuring device comprising a signal generating unit
for generating a first UWB measuring signal is already known, the
first UWB measuring signal being provided for a UWB
measurement.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention is based on a UWB measuring device,
particularly a hand-held positioning device, comprising at least
one signal generating unit for generating at least a first UWB
measuring signal which is intended for a UWB measurement.
[0004] It is proposed that the signal generating unit is provided
for generating a second measuring signal, different from the first
UWB measuring signal in at least one signal parameter, which is
intended for detecting a distance from an object to be examined
and/or a contact with the object to be examined. In this context,
"provided" is intended to be understood especially as specially
configured and/or specially designed and/or specially programmed.
Furthermore, a "UWB measuring signal" is intended to be understood
to be an ultra-wideband signal, the ultra-wideband signal having a
frequency spectrum with a center frequency and a frequency
bandwidth of at least 500 MHz. The center frequency is preferably
selected within a frequency range of from 1 GHz to 15 GHz. The UWB
measurement is preferably provided for a positioning measurement,
the UWB measuring signal being intended for detecting the presence
of an object arranged in the object to be examined and/or for a
moisture measurement, particularly a moisture content of the object
to be examined, and/or for other UWB measurements appearing to the
expert as being appropriate. Operating the UWB measurement with the
first UWB measuring signal requires a license according to the
guidelines of which, especially on the basis of safety and/or a
faultless operation of other radio services, the operation is only
allowed to take place in the case of a contact of the UWB measuring
device with the object to be examined, such as, particularly, a
wall surface. For this purpose, an operation with the second
measuring signal can preferably be carried out without a license so
that, in particular, a measuring operation with the second
measuring signal can be started with a distance of the positioning
device from the object to be examined. Furthermore, a "signal
parameter" is intended to be understood to be, in particular, a
power of the emitted signal and/or a frequency and/or a pulse
sequence of the emitted signal and/or other parameters appearing to
the expert as being appropriate. In this context a "contact with
the object to be examined" is intended to be understood to be, in
particular, a direct contact of the UWB measuring device,
particularly of a carriage for moving the UWB measuring device on a
surface of the object to be examined and/or a sliding face for
sliding the UWB measuring device on the surface of the object to be
examined. "Distance from the object to be examined" is intended to
be understood to be, in particular, a shortest distance between the
UWB measuring device, especially of a surface which is provided for
emitting the first UWB measuring signal and/or the second measuring
signal, and the object to be examined. In this context, a
measurement of the distance from the object to be examined is
preferably carried out by means of a measurement of a phase
difference between a phase of a reference signal, for example of
the second measuring signal emitted by the UWB measuring device,
and a phase of the second measuring signal reflected from a surface
of the object to be examined. In principle, other signal
parameters, appearing to the expert as being appropriate, of the
second measuring signal can also be utilized for determining and/or
measuring the distance of the UWB measuring device from the object
to be examined, such as, for example, a measurement of an amplitude
of the second measuring signal. By means of the embodiment of the
UWB measuring device according to the invention, an increased
reliability of the UWB measuring device can be advantageously
achieved in that the operation with a UWB measurement can be
restricted to a dwell period of a contact of the UWB measuring
device with the object to be examined. In addition, high operator
friendliness can be achieved in that, for example, in the case of a
wall contact, a UWB measurement occurs automatically and thus, for
example, operating errors by the operator are advantageously
prevented.
[0005] In principle, the UWB measuring device can be formed by all
measuring devices appearing to the expert as being appropriate. Due
to the advantageous embodiment for detecting a distance and/or a
contact with the object to be examined, the UWB measuring device is
particularly advantageously constructed as positioning device
and/or moisture measuring device.
[0006] The second measuring signal is particularly advantageously
formed at least partially by a UWB measuring signal. In this
context, the second measuring signal is advantageously used,
particularly emitted and/or received, in a special frequency range
as are common, for example, in UWB communication devices, a
frequency of the second UWB measuring signal preferably being
arranged within a frequency range of between 6 GHz and 8.5 GHz. In
this frequency range, a measuring operation with the second UWB
measuring signal can occur particularly advantageously without
restriction, especially without license so that an existing contact
between the UWB measuring device and a surface of the object to be
examined is not a prerequisite for the measuring operation. In this
context, a common signal source can be advantageously used for the
first UWB measuring signal and the second UWB measuring signal so
that a particularly compact and particularly cost-effective UWB
measuring device can be provided.
[0007] It is also proposed that the second measuring signal is
formed at least partially by a narrow-band measuring signal. In
this context, a "narrow-band measuring signal" is intended to be
understood especially to be a signal which is intended for
transmitting information and/or services within a limited frequency
band. The narrow-band measuring signal is preferably formed by an
ISM measuring signal, an "ISM signal" being intended to be
understood especially to be a signal which is preferably emitted
within a range of at least one ISM band, an "ISM band" being
understood to be, in particular, frequency ranges which can be used
by radio-frequency devices, especially in domestic and/or medical
areas. An emission of the narrow-band measuring signal in the
measuring device is preferably free of license or only needs a
general license so that the emission of the narrow-band measuring
signal does not impose a restriction such as, for example, of a
contact with the surface of the object to be examined. The
narrow-band measuring signal emitted by the UWB measuring device
can also be formed by a single signal having a narrow-band transmit
frequency, or by several signals having in each case a narrow-band
transmit frequency formed differently from the other signals. This
embodiment of the invention makes it possible that the narrow-band
measuring signal, especially the ISM measuring signal can be
advantageously emitted temporally or locally before a contact of
the UWB measuring device with the surface of the object to be
examined. In addition, when using the transmit signal having
several different transmit frequencies, a high probability of
recognition and/or a high measuring accuracy of the UWB measuring
device can be advantageously achieved. Thus, faulty operation of
the UWB measuring device with the first UWB measuring signal can be
advantageously prevented, in particular.
[0008] In an alternative development of the invention, it is
proposed that the signal generating unit has at least one signal
source which is intended for generating the first UWB measuring
signal and the second measuring signal. In this context, a "signal
source" is intended to be understood especially to be a unit and/or
an element which is intended for generating the first UWB measuring
signal and the second measuring signal. In this context, a
particularly compact UWB measuring device can be produced by
saving, in particular, further components, installation space,
assembly complexity and costs.
[0009] As an alternative, it is proposed that the signal generating
unit have a first signal source for generating the first UWB
measuring signal and at least one second signal source for
generating the second measuring signal. An advantageous signal
separation can be achieved between the first UWB measuring signal
and the second measuring signal and an unwanted superposition
and/or disturbance between the two measuring signals can be
prevented, in particular.
[0010] The UWB measuring device advantageously has at least one
signal filter element which is intended for a signal selection of
the first UWB measuring signal and/or the second measuring signal.
In this context, a "signal filter element" is intended to be
understood, in particular, to be an element which is formed at
least partially by a high-pass element and/or a low-pass element
and/or a band pass element. When using a common signal source for
the first UWB measuring signal and the second measuring signal such
as, for example, a signal source for an ultra-wideband signal, the
first UWB measuring signal or the second measuring signal can be
adapted to respective transmitting conditions. In addition, the
signal of a single signal source can be converted into two mutually
different measuring signals in a constructionally simple
manner.
[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the UWB measuring device
have an antenna element which is intended for emitting and/or
receiving the first UWB measuring signal and the second measuring
signal, as a result of which further components, constructional
space, assembly complexity and costs can be advantageously saved.
In this context, "emitting" is intended to be understood especially
as radiation of the first and the second measuring signal.
[0012] As an alternative, it is proposed that the UWB measuring
device have a first antenna element which is intended for emitting
and/or receiving the first UWB measuring signal, and a second
antenna element which is intended for emitting and/or receiving the
second measuring signal, as a result of which unwanted interference
and/or superposition of the two measuring signals can be
advantageously prevented. In addition, further filter elements
which are required with a common antenna element and follow the
latter for separating the two measuring signals can be omitted at
least partially from this arrangement. The first antenna element is
preferably formed in this context by an ultra-wideband antenna
element and the second antenna element is preferably formed by an
antenna element for emitting and/or receiving narrow-band measuring
signals or by an ultra-wideband antenna element.
[0013] The UWB measuring device exhibits particularly
advantageously at least one signal switching element which is
intended for switching between an operating mode using the first
UWB measuring signal and an operating mode using the second
measuring signal. In this context, a measuring operation can be
advantageously adapted to a current positioning of the UWB
measuring device with respect to the object to be examined. In
addition, a constructionally simple switching can be achieved in
this context. The signal switching element is also preferably
intended for switching, in the operating mode with the first UWB
measuring signal, at the same time, into the operating mode with
the second measuring signal and vice versa, so that both operating
modes can take place at least partially at the same time.
[0014] In an alternative development of the invention, it is
proposed that the UWB measuring device have a computing unit which
is intended for an at least partially automatic switching between
the operating mode using the first UWB measuring signal and the
operating mode using the second measuring signal by means of the
signal switching element. In this context, a "computing unit" is
intended to be understood specially to be a unit which can be
formed by an evaluating unit and/or a signal processing unit, where
the computing unit can be formed both by a processor on its own and
especially by a processor and further electronic components such
as, for example, a storage means. Furthermore, at least one
operating program can be stored in the computing unit. Furthermore,
"automatic" is intended to be understood especially to be an
automated and/or automatic switching so that manual operating
errors can be advantageously prevented during a switching process.
By means of the embodiment according to the invention, switching
and/or selection of the operating modes adapted to an instantaneous
and/or current measuring position and/or measuring situation of the
UWB measuring device can be achieved.
[0015] Furthermore, it is proposed that the UWB measuring device
have a computing unit which is intended for modulating the second
measuring signal during the detection of the distance from the
object to be examined and/or of the contact with the object to be
examined. In this context, "modulating the second measuring signal"
is intended to be understood to be, in particular, a change of the
second measuring signal, wherein the second measuring signal can
here be changed and/or modulated with regard to its amplitude
and/or especially advantageously with regard to its frequency. By
"during" it is intended to be understood, in particular, that the
detection of the distance of the UWB measuring device from the
object to be examined and the modulation of the second measuring
signal can occur at the same time. In this context, it is possible
to reduce and/or prevent, in particular, disturbances within the
frequency range of the second measuring signal by other
signal-emitting devices. In addition, an interference-free and
precise measuring of the distance of the UWB measuring device from
the object to be examined can be achieved particularly
advantageously.
[0016] In addition, it is proposed that the UWB measuring device
have a computing unit which is intended for activating the
operating mode using the first UWB measuring signal in the case of
the presence of a contact with the object to be examined. In this
context, "activate" is intended to be understood to be, in
particular, starting and/or beginning with the operating mode with
the first UWB measuring signal. In this context, in particular, a
safety risk for the operator of the UWB measuring device can be
minimized in that a decision is made by the computing unit whether
and when there is a contact of the UWB measuring device with the
object to be examined.
[0017] In addition, the invention is based on a UWB measuring
process for a UWB measuring device, particularly a hand-held
positioning device, wherein a UWB measurement is effected using a
first UWB measuring signal and a detection of a distance of the UWB
measuring device from an object to be examined and/or a measurement
of a contact of the UWB measuring device with the object to be
examined is effected using a second measuring signal.
DRAWING
[0018] Further advantages are obtained from the following
description of the drawing. In the drawing, exemplary embodiments
of the invention are represented. The drawing. The description and
the claims contain numerous features in combination. The expert
will also suitably consider the features individually and combine
them in appropriate further combinations.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a UWB measuring device according to the
invention, constructed as a positioning device, in a diagrammatic
representation,
[0020] FIG. 2 shows the positioning device of FIG. 1 together with
an object to be examined, in a top view,
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic structure of a positioning unit
of the positioning device comprising a common signal source with
stepped frequency passes of the measuring signals,
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a structure of the positioning unit which is an
alternative to FIG. 3,
[0023] FIGS. 5a, 5b show a diagrammatic structure of the
positioning device comprising a signal filter element,
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic structure of the positioning
device with a common signal source and two antenna elements,
[0025] FIGS. 7a, 7b show a diagrammatic structure of the
positioning device comprising two signal sources formed by in each
case one ultra-wideband signal source, and
[0026] FIGS. 8a, 8b show a diagrammatic structure of the
positioning device comprising an ISM signal source and an
ultra-wideband signal source.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0027] FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a UWB measuring device 10
according to the invention, constructed as a hand-held positioning
device. The positioning device exhibits a positioning unit 46,
formed by a UWB measuring unit 44, which exhibits a signal
generating unit 12 for generating a first UWB measuring signal 14
which is intended for a positioning measurement, formed by a UWB
measuring measurement, for detecting the presence of an object 48
arranged in an object to be examined 20, when operating the
positioning unit 46. The hand-held positioning device also exhibits
a display unit 50 for a visual output of a measurement result for
an operator of the positioning device and an input unit 52 for an
input of possible operating parameters and/or for switching the
positioning device on or off by the operator. In FIG. 2, the
positioning device is shown together with the object to be examined
20 which is formed here by a wall in a top view.
[0028] The signal generating unit 12 is also provided for
generating a second measuring signal 16 different from the first
UWB measuring signal 14 in at least one signal parameter, which
second measuring signal is intended for detecting a distance d of
the positioning device from the object to be examined 20,
especially from one of the wall surfaces, and/or for detecting a
contact with the object to be examined 20 (FIG. 2).
[0029] FIG. 3 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the positioning
unit 46 in greater detail. In this context, the signal generating
unit 12 exhibits a single signal source 22 which is intended both
for generating the first UWB measuring signal 14 and the second
measuring signal 16. The second measuring signal 16 is here formed
by a narrow-band ISM measuring signal, wherein the positioning
device can be operated free of license by means of the narrow-band
measuring signal. In addition, the positioning unit 46 has a single
antenna element 34 which is intended for emitting and/or for
receiving the first UWB measuring signal 14 and the narrow-band ISM
measuring signal. The narrow-band ISM measuring signal can here be
formed by a signal with a narrow-band frequency or by several
signals having an in each case different narrow-band frequency. The
signal source 22 is intended for emitting narrow-band measuring
signals, the first UWB measuring signal 14 being emitted by means
of the signal source 22 in that the narrow-band signal of the
signal source generates a bandwidth of the first UWB measuring
signal 14 by fast frequency passes (sweeps) of narrow-band
frequency ranges of the signal.
[0030] The narrow-band ISM measuring signal can also exhibit a
transmit power which is formed differently from a transmit power of
the first UWB measuring signal 14. For example, a transmit power
which is lower than the first UWB measuring signal 14 can be used
for the narrow-band ISM measuring signal in order to operate the
positioning device at least partially in an energy saving mode.
Furthermore, for example, for achieving a high detection rate of
the object to be examined 20, especially of the wall surface and/or
of a distance d from the wall surface, a high output power of the
narrow-band ISM measuring signal can be used.
[0031] Furthermore, the positioning unit 46 exhibits at least one
signal switching element 40 which is intended for switching between
an operating mode comprising the first UWB measuring signal 14 and
an operating mode comprising the narrow-band ISM measuring signal.
In addition, the positioning unit 46 exhibits a computing unit 42
which is intended for controlling the signal switching element 40,
so that an at least partially automatic switching between the two
operating modes and/or between the two transmit paths is provided
for by means of the signal switching element 40. The computing unit
42 is also provided for controlling the signal generating unit 12
so that the emitting and/or receiving of the two measuring signals
14, 16, especially a temporal sequence of the emitting and/or
receiving of the two measuring signals 14, 16, is controlled by the
computing unit 42. By means of the computing unit 42, an
alternating emitting and/or receiving of the first UWB measuring
signal 14 and of the narrow-band ISM measuring signal or a
simultaneous emitting and/or receiving of the first UWB measuring
signal 14 and of the narrow-band ISM measuring signal can be
achieved in this context. In addition, the computing unit 42 is
here intended for modulating a transmit frequency of the second
measuring signal 16.
[0032] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the signal
switching element 40 and the computing unit 42 can be constructed
as one piece.
[0033] The individual components and units of the positioning unit
46 are connected to one another by means of a data transmission
element 56. The signal generating unit 12 together with the further
signal processing elements 54, the antenna element 34 and the
computing unit 42 are integrated in one ASIC (application specific
indicated circuit). In principle, however, it is also conceivable
that the individual elements are constructed and/or arranged as
discrete elements.
[0034] At the beginning of an operation of the positioning device,
a contact of the positioning device with the object to be examined
20 and/or a distance d between the object to be examined 20 and the
positioning device is initially detected. In this process, the
narrow-band ISM measuring signal is emitted by the signal
generating unit 12, controlled by the computing unit 42, a
measurement of the distance d being effected advantageously via a
measurement of a phase difference 4 between the narrow-band ISM
measuring signal emitted and a narrow-band signal reflected from
the surface of the object to be examined 20. In this context, the
distance d is calculated as: d=.DELTA..phi.C.sub.0/(4.pi.f), where
f is the measuring frequency and c.sub.0 the velocity of light. In
this context, a range of unambiguity d.sub.g of the distance
measurement is d.sub.g=c.sub.0/(2f), depending on frequency,
wherein only distances d between the unambiguity range d.sub.g and
an integral multiple of the unambiguity range nd.sub.g can be
differentiated, n representing an integral positive number. A
distance d from the unambiguity range d.sub.g or an integral
multiple thereof can no longer be differentiated due to the
principle of measurement. To increase an accuracy of measuring the
distance d between the positioning device and the object to be
examined 20, the signal generating unit 12 emits at least two
narrow-band ISM measuring signals having in each case different
measuring frequencies, the measuring frequencies and/or the
different narrow-band ISM measuring signals being modulated by
means of the computing unit 42. In this process, the measuring
frequencies of the narrow-band ISM measuring signal are modulated
during the distance measurement and/or the contact detection. As an
alternative, the distance d of the positioning device from the
object to be examined could be detected by means of a detection of
an amplitude of the narrow-band ISM measuring signal and an
amplitude of the reflected narrow-band signal.
[0035] In contrast to an operating mode using the first UWB
measuring signal 14, an operating mode using the narrow-band ISM
measuring signal can be operated free of license so that, in
particular, a measuring operation in the operating mode using the
narrow-band ISM measuring signal can be effected at a distance of
the positioning device from the object to be examined 20 whereas an
operating mode using the first UWB measuring signal 14 can only be
effected in the case of a contact of the positioning device with
the object to be examined 20 due to licensing restrictions.
[0036] As soon as a contact of the positioning device with the
object to be examined 20 is detected during operation of the
positioning device, the operating mode using the first UWB
measuring signal 14 for a positioning measurement is activated
automatically by the computing unit 42. In an alternative
embodiment of the invention, it is also conceivable that an item of
information indicating a contact of the positioning device with the
object to be examined 20 is output for the operator via the display
unit 50 and the operator switches manually into the operating mode
comprising the first UWB measuring signal 14. The operating mode of
the narrow-band ISM measuring signal still remains activated so
that, after the emission of one or more UWB measuring signals 14,
one or more narrow-band ISM measuring signals are emitted in order
to control an establishment of the contact of the positioning
device with the object to be examined 20. By means of the computing
unit 42 and the simultaneously operated operating modes using the
first UWB measuring signal 14 and the narrow-band ISM measuring
signal, a lifting-away of the positioning device from the object to
be examined 20 can be independently detected and the operating mode
using the first UWB measuring signal 14 can be automatically
interrupted or switched off thereupon for safety reasons.
[0037] The first UWB measuring signal 14 exhibits a first direction
of polarization and the narrow-band ISM measuring signal exhibits a
second direction of polarization, the two directions of
polarization being essentially aligned orthogonally with respect to
one another so that a mutual interference of the two measuring
signals 14, 16 in the case of a simultaneous emission and/or
reception of the measuring signals 14, 16 is minimized. In
principle, it is conceivable at any time that the two directions of
polarization are essentially aligned in parallel with one
another.
[0038] In addition, the positioning unit 46 has one or more signal
processing elements 54 which is or are aligned along a signal path
between the signal generating unit and the antenna element 34. At
least one signal processing element 54 can be formed by a
transceiver which is intended for compensating for signal
fluctuations of the first UWB measuring signal 14 and/or the
narrow-band ISM measuring signal, the measuring signals 14, 16 in
this case being conducted to a device-internal reference network.
In this context, a separate transceiver can be available for each
of the two measuring signals 14, 16, or a transceiver to which both
measuring signals 14, 16 are conducted and a switching between the
two measuring signals 14, 16 is effected by means of a switching
element.
[0039] In FIGS. 4 to 8b, embodiments of a UWB measuring device 10
which are alternative to FIG. 3, are shown. In principle,
components, features and functions essentially remaining identical
are numbered with identical reference symbols. To distinguish
between the exemplary embodiments, the letters a to e have been
added to the reference symbols of the following exemplary
embodiment. The subsequent description is essentially restricted to
the differences from the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3, it
being possible to refer to the description of the exemplary
embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3 with respect to components, features and
functions remaining identical.
[0040] Compared with the positioning unit 46 in FIG. 3, a
positioning unit 46a in FIG. 4 has two antenna elements 36a, 38a, a
first antenna element 36a being intended for emitting and/or
receiving a first UWB measuring signal 14a and the second antenna
element 38a being intended for emitting and/or receiving a second
measuring signal 16a which is formed by a narrow-band ISM measuring
signal. In addition, the positioning unit 46a exhibits a number of
signal processing elements 54a, 58a, 60a which are arranged along a
signal path between a signal generating unit 12a and the two
antenna elements 36a, 38a. A first signal processing element 58a is
formed by a signal switching element 62a which is intended for
switching between an operating mode using the first UWB measuring
signal 14a and an operating mode using the narrow-band ISM
measuring signal. The switching element 62a can be formed, for
example, by a switchable diplexer which connects or disconnects a
signal path 66a of the narrow-band ISM measuring signal. The signal
switching element 62a is controlled by a computing unit 42a of the
positioning unit 46a so that a signal path 64a, 66a is selected for
the measuring signal 14a, 16a in dependence on the measuring signal
14a, 16a emitted by the signal generating signal unit 12a.
[0041] In FIGS. 5a and 5b, a further exemplary embodiment of a
positioning unit 46b of the UWB measuring device 10 is shown. The
positioning unit 46b has a signal generating unit 12b comprising a
signal source 24b which is intended for emitting a first UWB
measuring signal 14b. The signal source 24b in this arrangement is
formed by a UWB signal source. Between the signal generating unit
12b and an antenna element 34b, a number of signal processing
elements 54b, 58b, 68b of the positioning unit 46b are arranged. A
first signal processing element 68b is formed by a signal filter
element 32b which is arranged following the signal generating unit
12b. The signal filter element 32b is intended for a signal
selection between the first UWB measuring signal 14b and a second
measuring signal 16b, the signal filter element 32b being switched
to conduct for the second measuring signal 16b and forming a
barrier for the first UWB measuring signal 14b. In this
arrangement, the second measuring signal 16b is formed by a
narrow-band ISM measuring signal and/or a license-free broadband
UWB measuring signal, the second UWB measuring signal in this
arrangement being arranged within a frequency range of from 6 GHz
to 8.5 GHz. The signal generated by the signal generating unit 12b
is divided before the signal filter element 32b. The signal filter
element 32b can be formed at least partially by a high-pass
element, a low-pass element and/or a band pass element, the signal
filter element 32b being arranged in the signal path 66b of the
narrow-band ISM measuring signal. In principle, the signal filter
element 32b could be provided for filtering the first UWB measuring
signal 14b in an alternative embodiment.
[0042] The second signal processing element 58b which is arranged
along a signal path between the signal generating unit 12b and the
antenna element 34b is formed by a signal switching element 62b
which is intended for switching between an operating mode using the
first UWB measuring signal 14b and an operating mode using the
second measuring signal 16b. The signal switching element 62b can
be formed, for example, by a switchable diplexer which connects or
disconnects a signal path 66b of the second measuring signal 16b.
The positioning unit 46b also exhibits a computing unit 42b which
is intended for controlling the signal switching element 62b so
that an at least partially automatic switching between the two
operating modes and/or between the two signal paths 64b, 66b is
provided for by means of the signal switching element 62b. The
computing unit 42b is also intended for controlling the signal
generating unit 12b so that the emitting and/or receiving of the
two measuring signals 14b, 16b, especially a temporal sequence of
the emitting and/or receiving of the two measuring signals 14b, 16b
is controlled. In this arrangement, an alternating emitting and/or
receiving of the two measuring signals 14b, 16b or a simultaneous
emitting and/or receiving of the two measuring signals 14b, 16b can
be achieved by means of the computing unit 42b.
[0043] In FIG. 5b, a signal divider 70b is arranged preceding the
signal filter element 32b for dividing the signals.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the
positioning unit 46. The positioning unit 46c exhibits two antenna
elements 36c, 38c, the first antenna element 36c being intended for
emitting and/or receiving the first UWB measuring signal 14c and
the second antenna element 38c being intended for emitting and/or
receiving the second measuring signal 16c. Starting from a signal
divider 70c, the positioning unit 46c exhibits two signal paths
64c, 66c having in each case one antenna element 36c, 38c. An
operating mode and a further structure of the positioning unit 46c
correspond to an operating mode and a structure of the positioning
unit 46b from FIG. 5b.
[0045] In FIGS. 7a and 7b, a further exemplary embodiment of the
positioning unit 46d is in each case shown comprising a signal
generating unit 12d which has two signal sources 26d, 28d. The two
signal sources 26d, 28d are in each case formed by a UWB signal
source.
[0046] In FIG. 7a, a positioning unit 46d has two antenna elements
36d, 38d so that a separate signal path 64d, 66d from the signal
generating unit 12d to the antenna element 36d, 38d is available
for each of the two measuring signals 14d, 16d. The signal path 66d
of the second measuring signal 16d also has a signal filter element
32d. The second measuring signal 16d is configured analogously to
the second measuring signal in FIGS. 5a to 6. A mode of action of
the positioning unit 46d corresponds to a mode of action of the
positioning units in FIGS. 5a to 6.
[0047] The exemplary embodiment in FIG. 7b exhibits a common
antenna element 34d via which both the first UWB measuring signal
14d and the second measuring signal 16d are emitted and/or
received. For this purpose, the positioning apparatus exhibits a
signal switching element 62d which combines the two signal paths
64d, 66d and in addition passes the measuring signal 14d, 16d
intended for measuring, depending on operating mode.
[0048] The exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 8a and 8b also exhibit in
each case a signal generating unit 12e which comprises two signal
sources 26e, 30e. The first signal source 26e is formed by a UWB
signal source and is intended for emitting a first UWB measuring
signal 14e. The second signal source 30e is formed by an ISM signal
source and is intended for emitting a narrow-band ISM measuring
signal. A further structure and an operating mode of the
positioning unit 46e in this case corresponds to a structure and an
operating mode of the positioning unit 46d in FIGS. 7a and 7b.
* * * * *